Portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A combination writing and drawing table apparatus and method therefore capable of providing a flat writing and drawing surface at an appropriate height for children as well as secure compartments for various writing implements.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to work tables and, more specifically, to a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus particularly useful for children and method therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many adults and children of all ages enjoy drawing, doodling and writing. Parents often encourage this behavior to improve the skills that aid in the child's ability to express him or herself. Additionally, it is often when drawing, doodling or writing as a child that parents and other adults are able to identify special artistic talents. To this end, parents often bring with them drawing paper and various crayons, markers or other writing implements when traveling in order to provide their children with every opportunity to draw or write.

[0003] Several obstacles present themselves to both adults who enjoy drawing themselves and to parents who want to encourage their children to creatively express themselves and hone their writing and drawing skills. First, it is not always easy to find a flat surface suitable for writing or drawing. Even if such a surface is found, however, the table, counteror other space is often at a height either not suitable for children or inappropriate for adults. This is especially a problem for parentsor other adults who need to take children to doctor's appointments, meetings, or on other errands in which table space at an appropriate height for children is not always available. Additionally, it is not easy for the adult or the child to transport drawing paper, crayons, markers, and other writing implements from place to place. Often times, the drawing paper gets crinkled and the caps come off of the markers making a mess that is both time-consuming as well as expensive to clean up.

[0004] A need therefore existed for a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus and method therefor capable of providing a flat writing and drawing surface at a comfortable height for both children and adults as well as secure compartments for various writing implements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus capable of providing a substantially flat writing surface.

[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus capable of providing a substantially flat writing surface at a comfortable height for both children and adults.

[0007] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus comprising at least one receptacle dimensioned to securely hold various kinds of writing implements.

[0008] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus comprising at least one receptacle dimensioned to receive drawing paper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus is disclosed, comprising, in combination, a platform having a substantially flat top surface and a bottom surface and a front side and a back side, a cover having substantially the same size as the platform and having a top surface and a bottom surface and a front side and a back side, a lower portion of the cover is rotatably coupled proximate the back side of the platform, at least one exterior compartment coupled proximate the top surface of the cover, at least one interior compartment coupled proximate the bottom surface of the cover, a first retractable support member rotatably coupled proximate the bottom surface of the platform, and a second retractable support member rotatably coupled proximate the bottom surface of the platform, the first retractable support member and the second retractable support member are dimensioned to support the platform in a raised position when the first retractable support member and the second retractable support member are fully extended away from the platform.

[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus is disclosed, comprising, in combination, the steps of providing a platform having a substantially flat top surface and a bottom surface and a front side and a back side, providing a cover having substantially the same size as the platform and having a top surface and a bottom surface and a front side and a back side, rotatably coupling a lower portion of the cover proximate the back side of the platform, coupling at least one exterior compartment proximate the top surface of the cover, coupling at least one interior compartment proximate the bottom surface of the cover, rotatably coupling a first retractable support member proximate the bottom surface of the platform, and rotatably coupling a second retractable support member proximate the bottom surface of the platform, the first retractable support member and the second retractable support member are dimensioned to support the platform in a raised position when the first retractable support member and the second retractable support member are fully extended away from the platform.

[0011] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of the present invention, showing the table in the closed position.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the retractable support members partially extended.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the retractable support members fully extended.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of FIG. 1, showing three interior compartments and the cover held in an open position relative to the platform by the rod and groove assembly.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a back view of the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of FIG. 4, showing two exterior compartments and the cover in an open position relative to the platform.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of FIG. 4, showing the locking pivot arm assembly in the unlocked position and the rod and groove assembly unengaged.

[0018]FIG. 7 is a back view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing one exterior compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1-6 reference number 10 refers generally to the preferred embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus of the present invention. The combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 comprises a platform 12 having a substantially flat top surface 14 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) and a bottom surface 16. The platform 12 also comprises a front side 18 (shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6) and a back side 20 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 7).

[0020] The combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 further comprises a cover 22 having substantially the same size as the platform 12. The cover 22 has a top surface 24 (shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5 and 7) and a bottom surface 26 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) and a front side 28 (shown in FIGS. 1-3, and 6) and a back side 30 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). A lower portion of the cover 22 is rotatably coupled proximate the back side 20 of the platform l2. In the preferred embodiment, the cover 22 is hingedly coupled proximate the back side of the platform 12. Preferably, the cover 22 comprises a first hinge 29 (shown in FIG. 4) and a second hinge 31 (shown in FIG. 4). The first hinge 29 is hingedly coupled proximate a first end 33 (shown in FIG. 4) of the cover 22 proximate the back side 20 of the platform 12 and the second hinge 31 is hingedly coupled proximate a second end 35 (shown in FIG. 4) of the cover 22 proximate the back side 20 of the platform 12. While, in the preferred embodiment, the cover 22 comprises a first hinge 29 and a second hinge 31, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 in which the cover 22 is rotatably coupled to the platform 12 by some other mechanism, such as the shaft assembly 37 (shown in FIG. 6).

[0021] The combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 further comprises at least one and preferably a first exterior compartment 34 (shown in FIGS. 1-3, and 5-6) and a second exterior compartment 36 (shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5). The first exterior compartment 34 is preferably coupled proximate the top surface 24 of the cover 22 and is dimensioned to receive drawing paper (not shown). The second exterior compartment 36 is preferably smaller in size than the first exterior compartment 34 and is dimensioned to receive drawing paper of a smaller size than the first exterior compartment 34. The second exterior compartment 36 is also preferably coupled proximate the top surface 24 of the cover 22. While, in the preferred embodiment, the cover 22 comprises a first exterior compartment 34 and a second exterior compartment 36 it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 in which the cover 22 comprises a single exterior compartment 32 (as shown in FIG. 7). In this alternative embodiment of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus, hereinafter 100, only one exterior compartment 32 is coupled proximate the top surface 24 of the cover 22.

[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6, the combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 further comprises at least one and preferably three interior compartments: a first interior compartment 38, a second interior compartment 40 and third interior compartment 42. The first interior compartment 38, the second interior compartment 40 and the third interior compartment 42 are coupled proximate the bottom surface 26 of the cover 22 In the preferred embodiment, the first interior compartment 38 is dimensioned to receive crayons (not shown), the second interior compartment 40 is dimensioned to receive drawing markers (not shown) , and the third interior compartment 42 is dimensioned to receive pens and pencils (not shown). While, in the preferred embodiment, three interior compartments are dimensioned to receive varying kinds of writing implements it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 in which the bottom surface 26 of thecover 22 comprises as few as one interior compartment, so long as it is capable of receiving at least one variety of writing implements. Similarly, it should be understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 in which the first interior compartment 38, the second interior compartment 40, and the third interior compartment 42 are dimensioned to receive other items often used by children, such as drawing paper, glue, and the like.

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, preferably the first interior compartment 38, the second interior compartment 40, the third interior compartment 42, the first exterior compartment 34 and the second exterior compartment 36 each comprise a lid 43. Each lid 43 is dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upperportion of the first interior compartment 38, the second interior compartment 40, the third interior compartment 42, the first exterior compartment 34 and the second exterior compartment 36. Preferably, each lid 43 further comprises a shaft 45 (shown in FIG. 4 enlarged and removed to the side although with a shortened shaft) having a first end 47 (shown in FIG. 4) and a second end 49 (shown in FIG. 4). In the preferred embodiment, the first end 47 of each shaft 45 is rotatably coupled proximate a first end 51 (shown in FIGS. 4-6) of each lid 43 by a first washer and bolt assembly 55 (shown in FIGS. 4-5). Preferably, the second end of the of each shaft 45 is rotatably coupled proximate a second end 53 (shown in FIGS. 4-6) of each lid 43 by a second washer and bolt assembly 57 (shown in FIGS. 4-5). While, in the preferred embodiment, each lid 43 comprises a first washer and bolt assembly 55 and a second washer and bolt assembly 57, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the interior and exterior compartments in which either no lid 43 exists or where the lid 43 is coupled by an alternative mechanism, such as by Velcro™ or some other means, so long as the interior and exterior compartments are able to securely hold their contents.

[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, the combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 further comprises a first retractable support member 44 and a second retractable support member 46. The first retractable support member 44 and the second retractable support member 46 are rotatably coupled proximate the bottom surface 16 of the platform 12 and are dimensioned to support the platform 12 in a raised position when the first retractable support member 44 and the second retractable support member 46 are fully extended away from the platform 12. It should be understood that the retractable support members do not have to be in use for the substantially flat top surface 14 of the platform 12 to be utilized. Preferably, the purpose of the retractable support members are to allow a child (not shown) to sit on the floor and still comfortably write or draw on the substantially flat top surface 14. Additionally, it should be noted that the first retractable support member 44 and the second retractable support member 46 can also be used when placing the portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 on a table (not shown) or some other place, to raise the table to a more appropriate height for children and/or adults.

[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6, the combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 preferably comprises a rod and groove assembly 48 (shown in FIG. 4) dimensioned to support the cover 22 in an open position relative to the platform 12. The substantially flat top surface 14 of the platform 12 defines a groove 50 proximate the back side 20 of the platform 12. The groove 50 is dimensioned to receive a rod 52. The rod 52 is pivotably coupled proximate the bottom surface 26 of the cover 22, proximate the back side 30 of the cover 22. While, in the preferred embodiment, the combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 comprises a rod and groove assembly 48, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 in which other means, such as hinges, are used to support the cover 22 in an open position relative to the platform 12. It is also quite possible that the cover 22 could be supported in an open position relative to the platform 12 by gravity alone if the cover 22 is coupled to the platform 12 at an angle of greater than ninety degrees.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment, the combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 further comprises a handle 54 coupled proximate the front side 28 of the cover 22. Freferably, the combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 also comprises a locking pivot arm assembly 56 (shown in FIGS. 1-3). The pivot arm assembly 56 comprises a knob 58 (shown in FIGS. 1-4, and 6) coupled proximate the front side 18 of the platform 12. A pivot arm 60 (shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6) is preferably coupled proximate the front side 28 of the cover 22 and dimensioned to communicate with the knob 58 to lock the cover 22 in a closed position relative to the platform 12. While, in the preferred embodiment, the combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 comprises a pivot arm assembly 56 it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the combination writing and drawing table apparatus 10 which either lacks a locking mechanism altogether or which comprises an alternative locking mechanism, such as Velcro™ or the standard latches found on most briefcases.

[0027] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention 

I claim:
 1. A portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus comprising, in combination: a platform having a substantially flat top surface and a bottom surface and a front side and a back side; a cover having substantially the same size as said platform and having a top surface and a bottom surface and a front side and a back side, a lower portion of said cover is rotatably coupled proximate said back side of said platform; at least one exterior compartment coupled proximate said top surface of said cover; at least one interior compartment coupled proximate said bottom surface of said cover; a first retractable support member rotatably coupled proximate said bottom surface of said platform; and a second retractable support member rotatably coupled proximate said bottom surface of said platform, said first retractable support member and said second retractable support member are dimensioned to support said platform in a raised position when said first retractable support member and said second retractable support member are fully extended away from said platform.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said lower portion of said cover is hingedly coupled proximate said back side of said platform.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said cover comprises a first hinge and a second hinge, said first hinge is hingedly coupled proximate a first end of said cover proximate said back side of said platform and said second hinge is hingedly coupled proximate a second end of said cover proximate said back side of said platform.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a rod and groove assembly dimensioned to support said cover in an open position relative to said platform, said substantially flat top surface of said platform defines a groove proximate said back side of said platform dimensioned to receive a rod pivotably coupled proximate said bottom surface of said cover proximate said back side of said cover.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a handle coupled proximate said front side of said cover.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a locking pivot arm assembly comprising: a knob coupled proximate said front side of said platform; and a pivot arm coupled proximate said front side of said cover and dimensioned to communicate with said knob to lock said cover in a closed position relative to said platform.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one interior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said at least one interior compartment.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said lid further comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, said first end of said shaft is rotatably coupled proximate a first end of said lid by a first washer and bolt assembly and said second end of said shaft is rotatably coupled proximate a second end of said lid by a second washer and bolt assembly.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one exterior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said at least one exterior compartment.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said lid further comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, said first end of said shaft is rotatably coupled proximate a first end of said lid by a first washer and bolt assembly and said second end of said shaft is rotatably coupled proximate a second end of said lid by a second washer and bolt assembly.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a first exterior compartment coupled proximate said top surface of said cover and dimensioned to receive drawing paper; and a second exterior compartment smaller in size than said first exterior compartment and coupled proximate said top surface of said cover and dimensioned to receive drawing paper of a smaller size than said first exterior compartment.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a first interior compartment coupled proximate said bottom surface of said cover and dimensioned to receive crayons; a second interior compartment coupled proximate said bottom surface of said cover and dimensioned to receive drawing markers; and a third interior compartment coupled proximate said bottom surface of said cover and dimensioned to receive pens and pencils.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said first interior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said first interior compartment.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said second interior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said second interior compartment.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said third interior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said third interior compartment.
 16. The apparatus of claims 13 and 14 and 15 wherein said lid further comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, said first end of said shaft is rotatably coupled proximate a first end of said lid by a first washer and bolt assembly and said second end of said shaft is rotatably coupled proximate a second end of said lid by a second washer and bolt assembly.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said first exterior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said first exterior compartment.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said second exterior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said second exterior compartment.
 19. The apparatus of claims 17 and 18 wherein said lid further comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, said first end of said shaft is rotatably coupled proximate a first end of said lid by a first washer and bolt assembly and said second end of said shaft is rotatably coupled proximate a second end of said lid by a second washer and bolt assembly.
 20. A method for providing a portable combination writing and drawing table apparatus comprising, in combination: providing a platform having a substantially flat top surface and a bottom surface and a front side and a back side; providing a cover having substantially the same size as said platform and having a top surface and a bottom surface and a front side and a back side, rotatably coupling a lower portion of said cover proximate said back side of said platform; coupling at least one exterior compartment proximate said top surface of said cover; coupling at least one interior compartment proximate said bottom surface of said cover; rotatably coupling a first retractable support member proximate said bottom surface of said platform; and rotatably coupling a second retractable support member proximate said bottom surface of said platform, said first retractable support member and said second retractable support member are dimensioned to support said platform in a raised position when said first retractable support member and said second retractable support member are fully extended away from said platform.
 21. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of hingedly coupling said lower portion of said cover proximate said back side of said platform.
 22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the steps of: providing a first hinge and a second hinge; coupling said first hinge proximate a first end of said cover proximate said back side of said cover; coupling said second hinge proximate a second end of said cover proximate said back side of said cover; hingedly coupling said first hinge proximate a first end of said cover proximate said back side of said platform; and hingedly coupling said second hinge proximate a second end of said cover proximate said back side of said platform.
 23. The method of claim 20 further comprising a rod and groove assembly dimensioned to support said cover in an open position relative to said platform, said substantially flat top surface of said platform defines a groove proximate said back side of said platform dimensioned to receive a rod pivotably coupled proximate said bottom surface of said cover proximate said back side of said cover.
 24. The method of claim 20 further comprising the steps of: providing a handle; and coupling said handle proximate said front side of said cover.
 25. The method of claim 20 further comprising a locking pivot arm assembly comprising the steps of: providing a knob; coupling said knob proximate said front side of said platform; providing a pivot arm dimensioned to communicate with said knob to lock said cover in a closed position relative to said platform; and coupling said pivot arm proximate said front side of said cover.
 26. The method of claim 20 wherein said at least one interior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said at least one interior compartment.
 27. The method of claim 26 further comprising the steps of: providing a shaft having a first end and a second end; rotatably coupling said first end of said shaft proximate a first end of said lid by a first washer and bolt assembly; and rotatably coupling said second end of said shaft proximate a second end of said lid by a second washer and bolt assembly.
 28. The method of claim 20 wherein said at least one exterior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said at least one exterior compartment.
 29. The method of claim 28 further comprising the steps of: providing a shaft having a first end and a second end; rotatably coupling said first end of said shaft proximate a first end of said lid by a first washer and bolt assembly; and rotatably coupling said second end of said shaft proximate a second end of said lid by a second washer and bolt assembly.
 30. The method of claim 20 further comprising the steps of: providing a first exterior compartment dimensioned to receive drawing paper; coupling said first exterior compartment proximate said top surface of said cover; providing a second exterior compartment smaller in size than said first exterior compartment and dimensioned to receive drawing paper of a smaller size than said first exterior compartment; and coupling said second exterior compartment proximate said top surface of said cover.
 31. The method of claim 20 further comprising the steps of: providing a first interior compartment dimensioned to receive crayons; coupling said first interior compartment proximate said bottom surface of said cover; providing a second interior compartment dimensioned to receive drawing markers; coupling said second interior compartment proximate said bottom surface of said cover; providing a third interior compartment dimensioned to receive pens and pencils; and coupling said third interior compartment proximate said bottom surface of said cover.
 32. The method of claim 31 wherein said first interior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said first interior compartment.
 33. The method of claim 31 wherein said second interior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said second interior compartment.
 34. The method of claim 31 wherein said third interior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said third interior compartment.
 35. The method of claims 32 and 33 and 34 further comprising the steps of: providing a shaft having a first end and a second end, rotatably coupling said first end of said shaft proximate a first end of said lid by a first washer and bolt assembly; and rotatably coupling said second end of said shaft proximate a second end of said lid by a second washer and bolt assembly.
 36. The method of claim 30 wherein said first exterior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said first exterior compartment.
 37. The method of claim 30 wherein said second exterior compartment comprises a lid dimensioned to be coupled proximate an upper portion of said second exterior compartment.
 38. The method of claims 36 and 37 further comprising the steps of: providing a shaft having a first end and a second end, rotatably coupling said first end of said shaft proximate a first end of said lid by a first washer and bolt assembly; and rotatably coupling said second end of said shaft proximate a second end of said lid by a second washer and bolt assembly. 